Chief of Mission at International Organization for Migration

Position Title: Chief of Mission

Duty Station: Yaoundé, Cameroon

Classification: Professional Staff, Grade P4

Type of Appointment: Fixed term, one year with possibility of extension

Estimated Start Date: As soon as possible

Closing Date: 16 May 2021

Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.

IOM is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. Read more about diversity and inclusion at IOM at www.iom.int/diversity.

Applications are welcome from first- and second-tier candidates, particularly qualified female candidates as well as applications from the non-represented member countries of IOM. For all IOM vacancies, applications from qualified and eligible first-tier candidates are considered before those of qualified and eligible second-tier candidates in the selection process.

For the purpose of this vacancy, the following are considered first-tier candidates:

1. Internal candidates
2. External female candidates:
3. Candidate from the following non-represented member states:

Antigua and Barbuda; Botswana; Cabo Verde; Comoros; Cook Islands; Cuba; Fiji; Gabon; Guinea-Bissau; Guyana; Holy See; Iceland; Kingdom of Eswatini; Kiribati; Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the); Latvia; Luxembourg; Marshall Islands; Micronesia (Federated States of); Montenegro; Namibia; Nauru; Palau; Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Lucia; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Samoa; Sao Tome and Principe; Seychelles; Solomon Islands; Suriname; The Bahamas; Timor-Leste; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu

Second tier candidates include:

All external candidates, except candidates from non-represented member states of IOM and female candidates.

Context:

Under the overall guidance of the Director General and the direct supervision of the Regional Director (RD), as well as in close cooperation with relevant Units at Headquarters (HQs), the Chief of Mission (CoM) will be responsible and accountable for the activities of IOM, overseeing and providing policy, administrative, programme, and financial support to the IOM Country Office (CO) in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Core Functions / Responsibilities:

Strategic country programme development and planning.

1.Take the lead to develop, clarify and contribute to IOM’s overall mandate and strategy and spearhead strategic planning, results orientation and operational excellence, project development and implementation following appropriate consultation with the Regional Office (RO) within the overall regional framework, Headquarters, Member States and other relevant stakeholders.

2.Play an integral role in policy discussions and ensure approved policies are appropriately integrated in IOM’s activities.

3.Stimulate, catalyse and support project development through a comprehensive resource mobilization strategy which includes multilateral and bilateral donors, national and local government and public/private partnerships.

4.Ensure appropriateness and effectiveness of programme in line with IOM’s Strategic Vision and Strategic results framework, accuracy of results reporting, and recommend process improvements including the systematization and transfer of capacities and experiences in support of IOM’s global knowledge management. This includes incorporating lessons learned into the next planning cycle.

5.Advise RO and HQs on national policy and migration trends in the country and in the region as well as governments’ migration policies affecting the activities of IOM and prepare proposals for appropriate action.

6.Advocate and support the authorities and key stakeholders on development of appropriate policies and strategies on migration management including mainstreaming into national plan and budget. Support their proactive engagement in the global/regional processes such as: Colombo Process, Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) and follow up and implementation of the Global Compact for Migration (GCM) for Orderly, Safe and Regular Migration and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) going forward.

Country programme oversight and accountability

7.Take full responsibility for the successful execution of on-going operational programmes and the development of new ones including a strategy for identifying new opportunities.

8.Supervise the implementation and assure high quality performance of a large variety of migration related projects.

UN inter-agency engagement

9.Participate actively within the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator (RC), with a view to insert migration related issues into the Common Country Analysis (CCA) and United Nations Development Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) process and the coordination of the UN Migration Network.

10.Participate in the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) when established and contribute and provide support to inter-agency planning process and the overall humanitarian strategy and ensuring obligations within the humanitarian cluster system are carried out including on reporting and capacity and reported upon regularly if the cluster system is activated.]

11.Proactively engage with the UN/HCT on issues related to the prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment (PSEAH), as well as xenophobia and discrimination, in order to strengthen the interagency collective response.

Resources Management

12.Direct the operational, human resources, administrative, budgetary and financial activities of the Country Office and oversee those of the Project offices in accordance with the Organization’s rules and procedures.

13.Report regularly to the Director General, Regional Director and other interested partners on progress achieved and developments. Prepare regular and special reports including narrative, impact, policy, financial, evaluation and statistics covering IOM activities. Prepare briefings and background information requested by the Regional Office, HQs, the Government and other entities.

Knowledge management

14.Facilitate knowledge generation and management through the identification of best practices and lessons learned to ensure more comprehensive and efficient delivery.

15.Coordinate the Mission’s intra-programmatic knowledge products development and knowledge service delivery.

16.Facilitate learning through organization of competency advancement training initiatives.

Representation and strategic partnerships

17.Develop and promote liaison with governmental authorities and diplomatic missions, international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society, private sector and public media in the country, particularly with a view to identify migration-related areas for developing common activities/projects in a complementary manner.

18.Identify needs and priorities for cooperation and project development as well as for fundraising purposes.

19.Collaborate with international and regional organizations, diplomatic missions, NGOs and civil society and private sector to identify migration-related areas for developing common activities/projects in a complementary manner.

20.Support the Regional Office and when relevant HQs in the preparation and implementation of high-level meetings, with a view to ensuing high level participation of the Government.

21.Represent the Organization at national and international conferences and meetings.

22.Develop public relations and media activities to promote IOM’s image and programmes.

Other

23.Ensure that safety and security management of IOM personnel, facilities and assets are addressed, in coordination with the Regional Field Security Officer and that safety/security oversight in COs is provided. Ensure establishment and regular maintenance of Business Continuity Plans (BCP) and risk mitigation and management mechanisms are in place.

24.Lead the PSEAH strategy for IOM at the country level, ensuring that PSEAH is mainstreamed in all operations and programming and is a part of the organizational culture, including but not limited to PSEAH awareness raising and training for staff and partners, safe and accessible complaints and referral mechanisms exist within programming and within the office environment, and policies on the reporting of sexual and other types of misconduct are followed.

25.Perform such other duties as may be assigned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

Education

• Master’s degree in Political or Social Science, International Relations, Business Administration or a related field from an accredited academic institution with seven years of relevant professional experience; or,

• University degree in the above fields with nine years of relevant professional experience.

Experience

• Experience in general management as well as project and resources management;

• Experience in diplomacy, fundraising and public relations, as well as in liaising with governmental and diplomatic authorities and international institutions.

Skills

• Excellent communications skills, both oral and written; Ability to prepare and deliver speeches on various activities of the Organization;

• Demonstrated liaison and negotiation skills;

• In depth knowledge of the broad range of migration related subject areas dealt with by the Organization;

• Knowledge of UN and bilateral donor programming;

• Knowledge of Monitoring and Evaluation procedures and Frameworks;

• Effective resources management skills, sound knowledge of financial and business administration and of the principles and practices of management;

• Ability to deliver during crisis response;

• Good level of computer literacy.

Languages

IOM’s official languages are English, French, and Spanish.

External applicants for all positions in the Professional category are required to be proficient in English and have at least a working knowledge of one additional UN Language (French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian or Chinese).

For all applicants, fluency in English and French is required (oral and written). Working knowledge of any other UN language and/or Portuguese is an advantage.

Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Notes

Accredited Universities are the ones listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database

(https://whed.net/home.php).

Required Competencies:

Values – all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these three values:

• Inclusion and respect for diversity: respects and promotes individual and cultural differences; encourages diversity and inclusion wherever possible.

• Integrity and transparency: maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.

• Professionalism: demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.

Core Competencies – behavioural indicators level 3

• Teamwork: develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.

• Delivering results: produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner; is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.

• Managing and sharing knowledge: continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.

• Accountability: takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own action and delegated work.

• Communication: encourages and contributes to clear and open communication; explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.

Managerial Competencies – behavioural indicators level 3

• Leadership: provides a clear sense of direction, leads by example and demonstrates the ability to carry out the organization’s vision; assists others to realize and develop their potential.

• Empowering others & building trust: creates an atmosphere of trust and an enabling environment where staff can contribute their best and develop their potential.

• Strategic thinking and vision: works strategically to realize the Organization’s goals and communicates a clear strategic direction.

IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. https://www.iom.int/sites/default/files/about-iom/iom_revised_competency_framework_external.pdf

Competencies will be assessed during a competency-based interview.

Other:

Internationally recruited professional staff are required to be mobile.

Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.

This selection process may be used to staff similar positions in various duty stations. Recommended candidates endorsed by the Appointments and Postings Board will remain eligible to be appointed in a similar position for a period of 24 months.

The list of NMS countries above includes all IOM Member States which are non-represented in the Professional Category of staff members. For this staff category, candidates who are nationals of the duty station’s country cannot be considered eligible.

Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

Vacancies close at 23:59 local time Geneva, Switzerland on the respective closing date. No late applications will be accepted.